BY MARILYN KING (232news.com)
Since it was established in 1986, the first Sierra Leonean Country Director (CD) for Marie Stopes Sierra Leone (MSSL) has been introduced to the media.
Mohamed Kabba, the new Country Director for Marie Stopes Sierra Leone was introduced to the media during Marie Stopes annual media cocktail which took place over the weekend.
Mohamed Kabba, joined Marie Stopes in August 2010 as Financial Manager but later switched to something else.
Speaking on behalf of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) James Tamba Lebbie said the media believed in what Marie Stopes is doing and they want to strengthen the partnerships.
He congratulated and welcome the new CD and wish him well in his new endeavor.
Women in the Media (WIMSAL) representative, Kadija Jalloh also welcomed the new Country Director and said WIMSAL commits themselves for partnership with Marie Stopes and assures them of greater collaboration as they have been dealing with women and girls for so long.
Bloggers, Sarah Kallay in her statement said Bloggers are an integral part of any civilized society. They are professionals too, at least they ought to be.
Depending on what they choose as their niche, they can influence the way the topic, agenda and conversation goes.
She went on to say that bloggers are also content creators and contributors to society’s growth.
“In Sierra Leone, bloggers are late to the game and are still struggling to fully understand their capabilities or role. With tutoring, sensitization and empowering, I hold the view that they can become a formidable part of society. They are constrained, there are bad ones just as there are good ones but either way, they are here now, as part of our society,” she said.
She however hopes that the sooner they accept and work with them, the better and more civilized they can be.
“As Marie Stopes continues to transform, I hope they consider incorporating more,” she said.
Marie Stopes Sierra Leone (MSSL) Country Director (CD), Mohamed Kabba spoke about the cordial relationship they have been enjoying within the media for years now which he said he will build upon.
He said MSSL has been a long-standing supporter of Sierra Leonean women and girls since 1986, launched new women’s wellness services.
He said they aimed at addressing the gaps in women’s healthcare support and information and that as they strive to expand their scope, MSSL also recognizes the limited available information when it comes to specific women’s healthcare service and stigma around fundamental information concerning women’s health issues that significantly impact their daily lives, such as menstruation and menopause.
“MSSL aims to change this situation. Even though MSSL has traditionally focused on family planning and post-abortion care services, we acknowledge that women in Sierra Leone face numerous health challenges throughout their lives and often lack the necessary support, information, and care they require to thrive. In response, we are pleased to announce the expansion of our services to provide holistic women’s wellness care. Our comprehensive range of services will cover, when a girl starts menstruation and gets to menopause, offering solutions to the unique healthcare needs of women. We believe that supporting women is vital for the economic and social development of the country,” he said.
He maintained that in addition to their existing family planning and post-abortion care services, MSSL network of clinics now provides a wide array of services, including treatment for menstrual disorders, screening and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, fertility counselling and treatment, antenatal and postnatal care, ultrasound scan, laboratory tests, menopause support, general medical care, and corporate health financing for which they work with Aureol Insurance, Vista Bank, RITCORP, MSF Belgium among others.
That one of their goals is ensuring all women and girls in Sierra Leone have access to trustworthy, accurate and easy to understand information and support for their health.
